Tampa Bay St. Petersburg Fishing Report July 15
Capt. George Hastick
July 16, 2011
St. Petersburg - Saltwater Fishing Report
By Captain George Hastick
July 15, 2011
Redfish are still schooling up in small schools of 5 to 10 fish and all the way up to 50-100 fish in a pack. Most of the schools lately have been in the 18- 24 inch range but there are still big bull reds to be found in the 30-35 inch range. Look for the redfish to be in the deeper troughs around oyster mounds and mangrove points where the water flows good. Also look for them to be in the deeper sand holes on tidal grass flats that get good water movement.
Baits of choice would be fresh cut mullet, lady fish, pinfish and any other oily bait since reds have a keen sense of smell. Live baits like shrimp, scaled sardines and pinfish under a cork with your bait just above the grass is another good option. Artificial baits like Gulp 3" shrimp in white or new penny, MirrOlures Lil John and the zara spook jr in bone are all good baits.
Trout are also a good bet look for them to be in the sand holes on the grass flats in 4-6 feet of water or deeper. Live shrimp under a popping cork is a deadly set up. Also D.O.A.s deadly combo is another good rig for catching trout. I prefer a 1/4 oz jig head in red or chartreuse with a white soft plastic like a Cotee paddle tail, MirrOlures Lil John or a gulp shrimp in white but other colors work. I do like having contrast from the jig head color to make it stand out.
Make sure your bait is set low enough under the cork so that it is just above the grass and if you are working a jig make contact with the bottom often and most time you will get the hit as your jig is sinking. If you see your line jump on the sink, set the hook there is probably a fish on the other end.
Areas holding redfish and trout are Fort Desoto, Gulfport, Pinellas Point, Weedon Island, Legion flats and the Fourth Street area.
Capt. George Hastick fishes the St. Petersburg / Tampa Bay area. If you would like more information or would like to book a charter please contact him at:
Capt. George Hastick
" The Fish Hunter "
Fishing Charters
www.fishtampa.com
727-525-1005
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